Iowa Adult Hunter Education Course

Signs Are Not Targets. What Would You Think if This Was Your Land?

The Public is More Critical of Hunter Behavior than of Hunting

When members of the public see hunters behaving in an unethical or offensive manner that reflects badly on everyone who engages in this sport. Ethical and safe hunters understand that our behavior sets us apart from non-ethical hunters.

The way we dress and act is important. You would not go into a store or a restaurant with dirt and blood all over your clothes. Ethical hunters bring an extra set of clothes with them, so if they need to go to town or to a public place, they will not offend others. Ethical hunters do not drive around with game tied on the hood of their vehicle.

The way we talk is important. When we are in public, we have to be careful not to say or relate stories in a manner that might offend the public. Using words and phrases to describe an exciting story of a hunt might be acceptable in the hunting camp, but when you are out in public it might be offensive. Using the word "harvest" instead of "kill" is a good example how to take others into consideration when in public. Safe and ethical hunters have to always act in a safe and responsible manner while out in public as well as while hunting. We must also be aware of the unethical display of slogans on t-shirts, clothing or bumper stickers, such as; "If It Flies, It Dies!" or "Happiness Is a Gut Pile!"

After reading this chapter on attitudes and behaviors, reconsider the scenario about deer hunting on your friend's property.

Would you have shot the antlered deer that was walking towards the fence line?

Your behavior and the future of hunting depend on whether you measure up to being an ethical and safe hunter.